Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

I turned the key on and have no spark from the plug or even the plug wire when turning over the engine

How do I know if it is the coil magneto or the xstar module magneto?

It is a model 38180

My Toro CCR 2000 worked great the first snow storm of the year, then a couple of weeks ago it wouldn't start. Frustrating is an understatement. It's snowing like crazy with over 8" down already, cold and blowing with no end in sight. I start taking the blower apart and can't get spark. I try a new plug and no cigar. I finally take the shrouding completely off, remove the gas tank pull starter assy and fan shroud. The flywheel magnets are strong and the air gap to the coil looks ok. I'm betting it's the module so I ordered one off Ebay for $17 shipped to my house. I quickly wired it up with neg ground and turned the crank cup by hand. I got a good spark so I assembled the whole thing back together. Filled it with gas and it started with the first pull. I'd like to thank those with previous posts for steering me in the right direction. As I recall motors using ignitions like these in the past used condensers and I believe the module serves this purpose. I'd bet a condenser may work just as well.

Thank you all for your input to this subject.  I realize this is an old discussion, but the following is offered with the hope that it will help at least one other person.

My machine:  CCR2000, Model # 38180, S/N 39_ _ _ _ _, 1993 vintage.  Prices for parts varied by supplier, but here is a typical quote.  Magneto Coil $213, Magneto Module $124.

I was experiencing the same issue (no spark) and found several good pointers in the responses herein.  My experience:

I had checked the magneto coil's secondary and primary winding resistances with a digital auto ranging meter.  Primary (low voltage) measured a 1.5 ohms.  Secondary (high voltage) winding measured many mega ohms.  Following the advice in one of the submissions above, I checked the connection in the spark plug boot and found it was corroded.  Cut the end off, made a new connection and measured 10k ohms.  With a smile I hoped it would fire up.  Not so lucky, still no spark!

With good resistance readings, the coil appeared to be healthy, which left he "magneto module," as it is referenced by Toro.  I didn't know a way to diagnose the module, so I ordered a universal module from Oregon (#33-053) for $14.71.  Installed the module and runs like a champ.  Storm to arrive tomorrow so just in time.

Thank you all.